Shropshire mayor to join viral sensation Jackie Weaver in upcoming talk on local authorities

Hosted by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), the Make a Change virtual talk is set to take place on Friday from 6.30pm and will see councillors from across Shropshire look to inspire others to make a difference within their community.

Councillor Dan Thomas, mayor of Much Wenlock, will be joined by online star Jackie Weaver, as well as councillors Gwilym Butler, Cleobury Mortimer's representative on Shropshire Council, Dan Harman of Bomere Heath Parish Council, Shrewsbury town clerk Helen Ball and Justin Griggs, head of policy from NALC.

The event will include what being a councillor is like, the role of local authorities, how to get involved and a question and answer session.

Councillor Thomas, who was appointed as Much Wenlock's youngest ever mayor in May 2020, said: "I couldn’t be happier to be talking with some great councillors from across this great county – there are good examples of councillors from a range of backgrounds.

"I joined my town council as all I wanted to do was add a different viewpoint and some youthful energy.

"As a councillor you really get to see and hear about the great things individuals are doing in your town, things that most people are completely unaware of.

Passion

"Once you realise the volunteer work that people do you really get to appreciate the spirit, friendship and feeling of belonging it creates in a community.

"From volunteer litter pickers, to Wenlock Clickers, to the Wenlock Walkers or the Civic Society – these things take time, but they add so much value and enjoyment to townspeople’s lives.

"Being a councillor makes it much easier to facilitate these things and I’ve really noticed that when calling for volunteers on projects.

"One of my biggest contributions has been showing people in my community that you don’t have to be retired to make a difference.

"All you need is a passion and love for your town and its people and that everyone can make a change by becoming a local councillor.

"I'm hoping people will attend and get good information to consider standing for the local elections in May."

For more information visit alcshropshire.co.uk/events/2021/03/12/make-change-become-councillor